Storing Content

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Description of Tool or App:

Dropbox is a free app that provides a centralized location to store, save, and access files (e.g images, documents, and videos) virtually (in the cloud) through the internet. Files stored in Dropbox may be accessed from multiple devices like Personal Computers, Macs, and mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, Tablets and Androids with an internet connection. Files are synchronized across these devices so the user can access the most updated file at any time from any device. Although the Dropbox app is free, only 2GB of storage is included. Additional storage may be "earned" by recommending Dropbox to friends (up to 16GB) or by completing other tasks, up to a maximum of 18GB. Additional storage of 100, 200, or 500 GB's may be purchased, starting at $10/month for the smallest plan. Dropbox for Apple devices may be downloaded from the iTunes Store, and Dropbox for Android devices may be downloaded from the Android store. A Dropbox account is necessary for syncing to a PC or Mac, and may be downloaded at the site www.dropbox.com.

Benefits of Tool or App

  1. Files sync across devices.
  2. Access to files irrespective of device, from anywhere with an internet connection.
  3. Compatibility with Android and Apple devices as well as Mac and PC.
  4. Safety and security of files with AES 256 Standard Encryption.
  5. Previous versions of files may be restored.
  6. Provides a real time backup of all files, regardless of access device.
  7. Allows sharing of designated files to designated users, without sharing all files.
  8. Files may be accessed on devices without the native app via the Dropbox website.
  9. Allows for collaboration with others through file sharing.

Constraints of Tool or App
  1. Internet access is required to store, upload, download, or sync files, unless the files are marked as favorites.
  2. Limitation file storage size with free version.
  3. Because it is a cloud-based program, security and privacy can not be guaranteed, and institutional policies may prohibit use for certain file types.
  4. Any failure of the Dropbox server will inhibit the ability to access or sync files, unless these files have been 'favorited' for offline use.
  5. Dropbox does not automatically sync with PC external hard drives for easy additional backup. A Dropbox folder is included in the Mac backup if using Time Machine.
  6. Folders can only be shared through the web or computer interface, not from the app.

How To Use Tool or App

How to Install the Dropbox App

  1. Download Dropbox to computer, smartphone, and tablet using the download links above.
  2. Install the application on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone).
  3. Create a new account, using an email and a password. Only one account is needed for multiple devices.
  4. A Dropbox account will be created when you either sign up for an account. As explained above, 2GB of initial storage space is provided. You may earn up to 16 GB of space more through referrals (500 MB per referral), or by completing other tasks on Dropbox (up to 18GB).

How to Share a File

You may share files or folders with others who have Dropbox by creating a shared folder. Users with shared folders can access and use the same files and folders. For those who do not use Dropbox, files and folders can be shared by creating a link and sending the link to other people so it can be viewed through a web browser.

Share a file from a mobile device
  1. Open the Dropbox App.
  2. Open the file you want to share.
  3. Tap on the icon in the bottom left (box with arrow).
  4. Select how you would like to share the file.
  5. Share the link provided via the medium you have selected.

Share a folder from the Dropbox website
  1. Log in to the Dropbox website.
  2. Find the files and folders you would like to share.
  3. Click on the empty space to the right of the folder's name.
  4. Click Invite to folder in the toolbar.
  5. Click Shared folder options.
  6. Enter the email addresses of the people you want to invite.
  7. Add a message.
  8. Click Share folder.
Note: if you click on the folder name or icon, the folder will open.

How to Upload a File

Camera Upload (Automatic)
  1. Open the Dropbox App.
  2. Tap on the gear in the lower right.
  3. Look under settings.
  4. Tap Camera Upload.
  5. Turn on Camera Upload.
  6. Select if you want cellular data use (will use your data plan), or background uploading (will upload even if the app isn't open).

Upload from an iOS (Apple) Device
  1. Open a document in Pages, Keynote, or Numbers.
  2. Tap the wrench icon.
  3. Tap Share and Print.
  4. Tap Open in Another App.
  5. Tap Choose file format.
  6. Choose App.
  7. Tap open in dropbox.
Your file will be saved to Dropbox!

Files may also be uploaded through a service called Send to Dropbox. Send to dropbox is free and will allow you to email your file to dropbox.

How to Download a File

  1. Open the Dropbox App.
  2. Tap on the file you wish to access.
  3. View the file.
  4. Tap the download picture in the right hand corner.
  5. Select the app in which to open the file.

For business users who cannot install the Dropbox application on their computers due to IT restrictions, files may be accessed via the web through the Dropbox website. An alternate to this is to email the file to yourself from Dropbox from your mobile device, and re-email the file using Send to Dropbox.

How To Keep a File Synchronized Between Devices

  1. Add/Upload files to Dropbox.
  2. Install the Dropbox App on the rest of your devices
  3. Use the same User Name and Password for all devices.
    Dropbox will Sync your files on all devices.
  4. If you download the file, revise it, and save the newest version, you will need to re-upload the file on the device where the edits were made. Dropbox will then update the file on all devices and locations. If you wish to save older versions, you need a paid account, as well as a subscription to Packrat, an add-on which allows review of the document history.

Dropbox Instructional Screencast


Dropbox on you Laptop


Dropbox on your iPhone and iPad



Need more help?
Dropbox Help

Need help getting started?
Getting Started With Dropbox

Want to get more space? Click on our referral links!
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Original Artifact of Tool or App (created by someone in your house)


Examples of files that can be stored/shared via Dropbox:

icons.jpgicons2.jpg
These images are screenshots from my computer.

To access files and folders from Dropbox, please click on the following links:


Link to a master Shared Folder

Model of Word document

Model of photo/.jpeg

Model of photo/.gif

Model of photo/.png

Model of PDF

Model of eBook

Model of Powerpoint/.ppt

Model of video

Model of audio file

Model of Excel spreadsheet

Model of Quicktime file

IDEAS for Tool or App

Student
  • Upload/save files to Dropbox instead of emailing or using flash drives to move or share files. (For example, students may use a cloud-based software to continue working on a project that is stored in Dropbox, regardless of location.)
  • Share files/projects with other group/team members.
  • Submit assignments for grading.
  • Restore different versions or download updated files in group projects.
  • Share extracurricular materials - eg, music for band/chorus, football plays, etc.
Teacher
  • Post files, assignments, or projects to Dropbox for student access. This may include large files that can not be emailed, such as video.
  • Share files with other teachers - for example, with other grade level teachers.
  • Create a folder for each student to turn in assignments and return graded work.
  • Post assignment rubrics for easy student access and review.

Business Institutions
  • Share files for external clients access.
  • Share important company resources - for example, employee manuals.
  • Distribute files that are too large to email - for example, the most recent company video campaign.
  • Allow clients to access previous versions of documents for easy comparison.
  • Business can instantly increase size of storage needed per the need of the organization.